They didn’t really have a numbered list, but they were at the very least highly entertaining. When asked, “Why be on social media at all to begin with?” Dana Schwartz joked that it was for validation and attention. Which is probably true. But to know you’re not the only one out there struggling to write, or query, or land an agent, or wherever you are in the process—that has value. And then, of course, you should be adding value as well. You should be giving something to the online community, whether it be advice or support or just laughs. Something that keeps people coming back, which in the long run will benefit you and your career.

Jessica Sinsheimer reiterated what we’d heard in so many sessions already: Be genuine. Cultivate a presence. Don’t be there just to sell. Oliver Jeffers said, “You can tell when someone is faking or pretending.”

The moderator then asked about Social Media Don’ts. Dana Schwartz answered that you shouldn’t make political tweets if you’re a racist or a bad person in general. “Keep that to yourself.” Jessica Sinsheimer elaborated on that, noting that agents will look you up to see if you’re someone they want to connect and work with. If you seem angry or negative online, they’ll strike you off their list.

At the same time, Jordan Rosenfeld said, “People go online to escape, so don’t be too real.” It seems to be a fine line.

Oliver Jeffers said, “Don’t get in public arguments, and don’t tweet while drunk.”

So what are some Best Practices then?

Per Jordan Rosenfeld: Follow back. Make various lists to keep up with all the different people. And do LitChat (which is both an account you can follow on Twitter as well as a hashtag).

Jessica Sinsheimer said to only do the things you’re genuinely excited to do. If Twitter isn’t it, don’t be on Twitter. And she said to be a good Internet citizen. Help people out. People might not remember exactly what you say, but they’ll remember how you make them feel (to paraphrase a famous quote).